President Gokhool discusses Sustainable Ocean Governance with Norwegian Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss
His Excellency Mr Dharambeer Gokhool G.C.S.K. had a very cordial, constructive and productive bilateral meeting in Oslo with Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy of Norway, to further consolidate diplomatic and sectoral partnerships established since 1973, and renew the shared commitment to sustainable ocean development.
A recent milestone in this longstanding collaboration was marked by the arrival of the research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen on 11 June in Mauritius, in the context of the 50th anniversary of the EAF-Nansen Programme – the longest-running fisheries development initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Norway.
The two dignitaries also exchanged perspectives on the UN Blue Justice Initiative, which Mauritius joined since August 2022.
Launched by the Government of Norway in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this initiative is anchored in the principles of the Copenhagen Declaration and tackles organized fisheries crimes.
During the meeting, conversations also centred on the need for greater regional and international collaboration, keeping in mind Norway’s satellite technology and access to global Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, which can significantly enhance Mauritius’ ability to monitor marine activities and deter illicit practices.
President Gokhool expressed his wish for Mauritius’ participation in the upcoming UN Blue Justice Conference to be held in December 2025.
As a Small Island Developing State which remains deeply committed to advancing ocean sustainability through strong partnerships, Mauritius’ participation in the high-level forum will provide an important opportunity to exchange experiences and deepen partnerships, he affirmed.